No Kids Were Left on the Floor at the Record-Breaking Furniture Bank Gala

No Kids Were Left on the Floor at the Record-Breaking Furniture Bank Gala

The Furniture Bank is more than $300,000 in the black, thanks to board members and chairs Francie and Mike Willis and the over 400 guests who delightfully assembled in the River Oaks Country Club ballroom to witness the record-breaking “No Kids on the Floor Gala!”

For over three decades, The Furniture Bank has compiled some impressive and notable charitable statistics. As Francie Willis told The Social Book, “For 33 years, The Furniture Bank has been serving families affected by poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, mental and physical health concerns, and disasters. They have served over 44,000 families and 150,000 individuals, and have upcycled and recycled more than 200,000 mattresses since 2012. In the last two years alone, they have recycled 27,000 mattresses. Since the inception of their “No Kids on the Floor” initiative in 2018, The Furniture Bank has provided a bed to over 4,000 children in need.”

Media personality Linda Lorelle happily handled the emcee duties. She introduced a video documenting the efforts of Executive Director Oli Mohammed called “A Place to Dream.” The video featured clips of community leaders who all agreed that the issue of children sleeping on floors needed to be addressed immediately.

Taking their rightful honors at the dinner were Legacy Honoree Ralph Marek, whose son Stan Marek accepted on his behalf. The Jodie Hoffer Community Service Award was presented to Youval Meicler, owner of Texas Mattress Makers.

Auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway brought his legendary excitement to the stage and helped raise additional funds by successfully handling the appeal and live auction. The vast silent auction also generated much-needed funds for the overall raise.

Nationally recognized Santa Fe pianist Doug Montgomery was the evening’s musical entertainment. Beautiful table centerpieces were designed and gifted by H-E-B.

The Furniture Bank’s primary goal is to provide essential furniture necessary for family life. This was very visible on the happy faces who were there to celebrate its many successes over the years!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Ben Marek, Roz and Alan Pactor, Scott Hoffer, Samantha Hoffer, Karen and Larry Cress, Michele Meicler, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Jody Merritt, Christine Johnson, Janice Hall, Hershey Grace and Ed McMahon, Cinde and Gary Matocha, Jeff Cummins, Harry Cummins, Lisa and Bob Gulitti, Regina Rogers, Steve Finger, Frank Monacelli and Gloria Nino-Monacelli, Danna and Hal Lynde, Allison and Stuart Peterson, Jill and John Parsley, Molly and Miles Marks, Kip Altstaetter, Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard, Audrey and Phillip Davis, Michael Galloway, Laura Ward, Cathy and Bud Geisinger